Additionally, David White of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), has been elected to serve as interim executive director. On the evening of Sunday, August 4, 2025, the newly created Board of Player Representatives made their most important decision yet. The vote was unanimous — all 32 NFL teams were represented. White’s selection is the result of an exhaustive and deliberate search process and is indicative of the confidence players have in his leadership to galvanize his leadership.
White is the CEO of 3CG Ventures, an executive coaching and strategy firm. His impressive resumé about labor relations is something to laud. He previously served as the leader of SAG-AFTRA, a union representing 160,000 members in the entertainment industry, from 2009 to 2021. Advocating for workers’ rights, his long experience advocating for workers’ rights uniquely positions him to lead the NFLPA through this transitional period.
In 2023, he fought to become the organization’s first executive director. Unfortunately, it was Lloyd Howell, Jr. who ultimately won out. As NFLPA executive committee chair J.C. Tretter explained, that choice of White was the NFLPA’s executive committee’s 10-1 vote in favor of White in that electoral process.
White also thanked his new players’ leadership for the trust they placed in him. He announced this during his election at an election weekend/picnic that we hold in an elaborate nature resort in Leesburg, Virginia. He stressed his desire to put the players first and earn their trust back.
“I am grateful to the NFLPA’s player leadership for entrusting me with the privilege and responsibility to guide their union as interim executive director,” – David White
White’s leadership style has largely been defined by his commitment to protecting collective bargaining rights. For all his years, he was passionate and active in the labor movement working to make sure workers get their just due and representation. During his time as interim executive director, he has focused on strengthening player safety and protecting financial health. He wants to empower their voice inside the organization.
The need for rebuilding trust among players has emerged as one of White’s top priorities. Josh Harris, a member of the NFLPA’s executive committee, underscored this sentiment by stating, “The thing that we have to do the most is to regain the trust of the players.” He passionately asserted that the NFLPA is a player-led member organization. He encouraged everyone to get back to first principles.
“This is the players’ association, and ultimately, we run it, no matter who is in that [executive director] role. It’s a player-led organization, and that’s what we need to get back to.” – Josh Harris
Committee member Ted Karras underscored the need for integrity at the top of every leadership chain. He stated, “Anyone in a leadership role within our union needs to live above reproach,” indicating the high standards expected from those in positions of authority within the NFLPA.
In this new role, White is focused and determined to collaborate and build with the whole NFLPA team. He strives to create an atmosphere where players feel like they’re valued and represented in the best way. His agenda should be directed at making sure that the union is working in players’ best interests.
“It’s a duty I do not take lightly, and I’m committed to re-establishing trust and ensuring the union is serving its members best. I look forward to working with the entire NFLPA team to protect players’ health and safety, secure their financial well-being, and further strengthen their voice to shape their futures.” – David White
Further down the road, NFLPA president Jalen Reeves-Maybin said that a national search for a permanent executive director will start in the near future. This multi-step process ensures that the final selection is in line with the values and aspirations of current NFL players. It provides for them to receive powerful representation.
“We have full faith in David to take the union forward and operate in the best interests of our membership,” – Jalen Reeves-Maybin
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